Testifying in civil commitment proceedings sometimes is the only way to make sure dangerous patients get the hospital care they need. But for many psychiatrists, providing courtroom testimony can be a nerve-wracking experience because they:

•lack formal training about how to testify•lack familiarity with laws and court procedures•fear cross-examination.

Training programs are required to teach psychiatry residents about civil commitment but not about how to testify. Residents who get to take the stand during training usually do not receive any instruction. Knowing some fundamentals of testifying can reduce your anxiety and reluctance to take the stand and help you to perform better in court.

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